in loving memory

In loving memory of William Leon Stevenson

It has taken me a while to compose myself and my thoughts enough to write this,

and try as i may, i might not ever have the right words,

but the feelings that have overtaken my heart the last few days,

 are not of deep grief and sorrow,

(tho to be honest, i have had a few good cries) 

but always, as i think about my grandpa, i get this feeling of peace and comfort, 

and even a joy of sorts.

that might sound crazy, but let me  try and explain...

MY GRANDPA ....

my grandpa always called me princess or pun'kin

i don't think i had a favorite, because he said them both with gentle affection. 

and was always fallowed with a side hug or a kiss on the head.

my grandpa smiled with his eyes and had a deep laugh that was distinctly his.

i can still hear it in my mind, when i close my eyes and recall the scenes, sounds and smells of countless family dinners, gathered around grandmas table.

my grandpas prayers where humble, low and soft. and i could always feel his love for God,

 and the spirit enter with each uttered word!

 (even while smells of grandmas cooking lingered in the air)

my grandpa was tall in stature, and in spirit!

 he severed the Lord and worked hard,

he was a Bishop, Stake President, Patriarch and Sealer

and i remember many a times walking into a room to find he had fallen asleep sitting on the sofa.

(I think it is a genetic thing because i find my dad doing the same thing!)

Me (age14 ) with Grandpa for my Patriarchal Blessing

my grandpa's first job was as a shepherd for his uncles flocks up in the hills of Utah during the summers of his youth... (and that was also his favorite job.)

at first i had a really hard time picturing my grandpa doing that kind of work,

 let alone liking it!!

but the more i have reflected on my grandpas life, 

i have come to the conclusion that, that is exactly what he was...

a gentle shepherd... and a true disciple of Christ

"Beside the still waters He leadeth my soul, To quench all my thirst, to heal and make whole. Away from the torrents, so fierce in their rush To shores that are peaceful, to rest in the hush. I drink ‘til I’m filled. I’ll thirst nevermore. But stay by His side, right here on the shore".

my grandpa watched over the Lords flock, 

in his service, and with all his might, mind and soul.

he loved and tended to his family!

and took time to cultivate a relationship with each one of his kids, grand-kids 

and great-grand-kids!

he was a great man of quite strength,and an amazing example of a life well lived. 

and i hope my William will remember him, and do his name sake proud

I have always loved the story of my grandma and grandpas courtship...

how they went up on the hill overlooking the St. George Temple

 and my grandma pointed to it and said ...

"That's where I am going to get married!" 

and from that day on my grandpas life was changed!

His love for my Grandma was only matched by his love for the Savior! 

and i honestly feel like it was Heavenly Fathers plan for the two of them to be together!

And because of that Temple, and the promises they made there... that's how they will always be.

 Together Forever!

and even tho in recent years they were parted for a short while,

.knowing that my grandpa is finally back where his heart has so ached to be,

 and that is with my grandma in heaven.

 and knowing of their joyful reunion makes this sorrow lighter some how.

i am so grateful for my knowledge of Eternal families,

 that this life isn't the end. and that we will see all our loved ones again some day!

 i am grateful my grandma had the courage to share her testimony

 and love of the Gospel with my grandpa!

 i am grateful for the legacy of faith they left behind.

and will treasure the time we got to enjoy with them here on this earth!

God is good. this i know.

thank you grandma and grandpa!

i love you both...

til we meet again!